Replies

1. 
   TLRice | Dec 20, 2002 04:19pm | #1

   I am not a tech gut in the field, just a mechanical engineer that designs and specifies HVAC systems and equipment.

   The condensing (i.e. 90+ efficiency) furnaces out there, whether they are single stage, 4 speed or two stage variable speed, all have electronic controls. Some are more complicated than others. Two common areas of failure are the control circuit boards and the ignitors. My last furnace was a Bryant 90 plus that after 12 years failed in the electronic control boards. Igniters are easily replaced when they fail (they are much more reliable now than a few years ago), circuitboards are expensive. The average guy in the field cannot diagnose or repair these circuit boards. They are expensive, but it is the way of the industry.

   I like, own and usually specify Heil products. The electronic controls are a little simpler than some of the others, and the service and support, in this area, is excellent. I have their variable speed, two stage furnace in my home and I am very pleased with it. The additional cost will get you a better total package (variable speed, two stage furnaces are top of the line, no matter which line), reduced energy usage both for heat and fan power, a quieter unit. A two stage furnace operating on low fire will produce more consistant temperature and comfort control than a single stage frunace. It will start and stop less frequently and will make the igniter last 3 or 4 times as long.

   The major manufacturers that offer residential gas furnaces, all offer competitive products. Whether you consider Trane, Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Heil, York, Ruud, American Standard, Tempstar, or Armstrong to be the "best" is largely a matter of opinion, not fact. All of these offer low end and high end products. The choice for me came down to the local representatives of the products.

1. 
   edwardh1 | Dec 20, 2002 04:33pm | #2

   Heil is also very good on support in my area. The Distributor seems to have everything.

   I like Rheem but their dist keeps changing hands and is really a plumbing store and their main interest is plumbing. even the rheem ruud dealers say "the dist has no interest in parts". Rheen web site lists no dealers in my town tho there are 5 in the phone book.

   Lennox sems to restrict the number of dealers (probably helps sale prices on each units and also parts).

   Carrier is popular but some people on the web complain of excessive number indoor coil leaks.

   The only brand reliability survey I have seen was in the May 01 Consumer Reports issue on Cental AC . they asked 50,000 subscribers "did it break" and do you have a service plan.

   Results were Best

   Amer std 14%

   ruud

   trane

   tempstar

   rheem

   lennox

   comfortmaker

   bryant

   heil

   coleman

   carrier

   goodman

   york

   janitrol 21%

   worst